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A Marriage of Lions

An Auspicious Match. An Invitation to War.

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A Marriage of Lions

By: Elizabeth Chadwick
Narrated by: Helen Stern
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About this listen

An auspicious match, an invitation to war.

 Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice 

England, 1238.

Raised at the court of King Henry III as a chamber lady to the queen, young Joanna of Swanscombe's life changes forever when she comes into an inheritance far above all expectations, including her own. 

Now a wealthy heiress, Joanna's arranged marriage to the king's charming, tournament-loving half-brother, William de Valence, immediately stokes the flames of political unrest as more established courtiers object to the privileges bestowed on newcomers. 

As Joanna and William strive to build a life together, England descends into a bitter civil war. In mortal danger, William is forced to run for his life, and Joanna is left with only her wit and courage to outfox their enemies and prevent them from destroying her husband, her family and their fortunes.

©2021 Elizabeth Chadwick (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Medieval Romance Women's Fiction Marriage Middle Ages War England Royalty

Critic reviews

"Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride." (Daily Telegraph)

"Elizabeth Chadwick has taken the few facts known about Joanna's life and turned them into a rich, detailed portrait of a woman attempting to survive brutal court politics." (The Times)
All stars
Most relevant
All the characters so real and believable with the family links to William Marshall that great knight who served his kings with honour.
Thrilling, romantic and never losing the sense of historical authenticity. Thank you Elizabeth Chadwick for another masterpiece.

As always a wonderful story that Elizabeth Chadwick can write so well

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Another impressive, carefully researched reconstruction of the lives of famous historical characters. Elizabeth Chadwick inspires me to read further into the historic events in her stories.

Wonderful reconstruction

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Abit soapy. The word ‘womb’ is heavily used. Syrupy declarations of love and devotion and lacks pace.
Honestly, I’d skip it if I could have my time again.

Not the best.

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I liked all of the story, nothing to dislike, it was a very brilliant interesting story, very well read !

A marriage of Lions

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I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of Elizabeth Chadwick’s works. They are always meticulously researched, and she is very skilled at weaving known fact with fiction, so that her books can be enjoyed on more than one level. I love the way this writer describes so much everyday, mundane detail of life in the Middle Ages, making the period much easier to relate to on a human level. The narrator’s voice is very easy to listen to, and perfectly suited to the story and the ambiance of the time.

A brilliant historical novel

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